Haiti crisis not Kenya's priority - Opposition Leader

NAIROBI, Kenya

Kenya's opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has questioned the country's decision to lead a peacekeeping mission in Haiti to combat gang violence there, terming it a "wrong move".

Mr Odinga, in an interview with a local TV station on Thursday, said the planned police deployment in Haiti was not Kenya's priority, adding that the East African region already had "enough problems".

"Before you even come to Africa, Haiti is at the doorstep of the United States which is the most powerful nation in the world. What is it that is so unique about Kenya that it is being chosen to lead the multinational force in Haiti?" Mr Odinga said.

Mr Odinga said the situation in Haiti was dangerous, warning that the planned deployment risked the lives of the Kenyan police.

"When coffins start arriving here, that's when we shall regret. Haiti is dangerous and there's a possibility our police will encounter problems there," he said.

"The problem in Haiti is political, it does not just require guns, it requires talks," Mr Odinga added.

On Monday, the United Nations Security Council approved the deployment for a year with a review after nine months.

Kenya's President William Ruto pledged “not to fail the people of Haiti”.

However, some critics have opposed the move, expressing doubt over the ability of Kenyan police to take on Haiti's gangs.

According to the Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ravina Shamdasani, between 1 January and 15 August this year, at least 2,439 people have been killed and a further 902 injured.

In addition, 951 people have been kidnapped.

“In response to the ongoing gang violence and pervasive insecurity, there has been a rise in ‘popular justice’ movements or self-defence groups, also leading to violence.” She said in a report.

Since 24 April up to mid-August, more than 350 people have been lynched by local people and vigilante groups. Those killed have included 310 alleged gang members, 46 members of the public and a police officer.